Teacher charged with possessing indecent images of children

A teacher at Ripley St Thomas CE Academy in Lancaster has appeared in court charged with possessing indecent images of children.

English teacher Patrick Gillett, 43, of Stanley Place in Lancaster, pleaded not guilty to three charges of the offence when he appeared at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Preston Crown Court on April 15.

Parents of pupils at Ripley were informed by email of the court case.

They were told: “There is no information at this stage to indicate that any children or staff at this school have been affected by or involved in this matter.

“I can assure you that we take our safeguarding responsibilities very seriously at Ripley and we have fully co-operated with the police.

“There have been no incidents in the past related to this employee which have caused us concern.

“We are working now to ensure that adequate cover is put into place for Mr Gillett’s classes.”

Ripley principal Liz Nicholls said: “A member of staff from the academy has appeared in court charged with offences relating to the possession of indecent images of children and has been remanded in custody.

“We understand that these offences do not relate to any pupils of the academy, past or present. All parents have been informed.”

Mr Gillett has been suspended from the school.

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